Square · UNESCO
Main Market Square Kraków
Kraków, Poland
One of Europe's biggest medieval squares, with the Cloth Hall, a bugle call from a church tower and street mus...
City · Poland · Lesser Poland
Kraków
Poland's most visited city: a medieval square, a hilltop royal castle, the Jewish quarter of Kazimierz and day trips to a salt mine.
about 5 h
For storytellers
Why Kraków matters
Kraków never suffered the destruction that hit other Polish cities, so its medieval core is still here. The Main Square is huge, with a cloth hall in the middle and a church with two mismatched towers at the corner. A short walk takes you up to Wawel Hill and its royal castle, or south into Kazimierz, once the Jewish quarter and now full of cafés, galleries and bars. Cheap food, a student crowd and easy day trips to a salt mine make it a favourite for first-time visitors.
Talking points
- The Main Square is among the biggest medieval squares in Europe.
- Kazimierz mixes old synagogues, vintage cafés and a lively nightlife.
- The old centre escaped the wartime destruction that flattened other Polish cities.
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What to see in Kraków
Castle · UNESCO
Wawel Royal Castle
Kraków, Poland
The hilltop seat of Polish kings, with a cathedral, royal chambers and views over the Vistula.
Neighbourhood · UNESCO
Kazimierz
Kraków, Poland
Kraków's historic Jewish quarter, now full of synagogues, cafés, galleries and nightlife.
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
St Mary's Basilica Kraków
Kraków, Poland
The twin-towered Gothic church on the Main Square, famous for its carved wooden altarpiece and blue star-spang...
Museum
Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory
Kraków, Poland
A museum in the former factory that tells the story of Kraków under Nazi occupation.
Viewpoint
Kościuszko Mound
Kraków, Poland
An artificial mound built in the 19th century to honour a national hero, with sweeping views over Kraków.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.